Food Politics

by Michael Y. Park

on 08/09/12 at 09:00 AM

Yep, it's that time again.

Though everyone's still focused on a certain Southern-based chicken-sandwich chain with controversial leanings, it won't be the end of the food-politics wars when that finally dies down. In fact, I'd say you ought to get ready to duck the even nastier stuff that's going to be thrown around as everyone gets worked up till after the election.

The latest samplings:

Papa John's has told its shareholders that, under the Obama health-care law, it'll start passing on its predicted higher costs to customers, about 11 to 14 cents more per pie. (Papa John's founder John Schnatter, who donates tons of money to conservative organizations, hosted a Romney fund raiser not too long ago. Come to think of it, the Domino's founder is a devoted conservative, too. And Herman Cain, of course. What's with pizza and the right wing?)

Then there's U.S. Rep Allen West, who earned the ire of the Congressional Black Caucus by bringing -- yes -- Chick-fil-A takeout when it was his turn to supply lunch at one of their regular meetings. Granted, it was six months ago, but the other, Democratic, members are now crying, er, foul.

Finally, among the disparate oracles who make up the political Speculatron, folks are so desperate for any clue to Mitt Romney's veep pick that they're even trying to read the tea leaves from his grocery purchases. He bought Wild Cherry Pepsi and Greek yogurt -- Wild Cherry means Chris Christie, right?